and ... on a much more cheerful note!

Visit a Show or Field Trial.
Here you can see breeders and their off-spring in action. It’s worth remembering that Show and Field Trial competitors breed primarily for their own use, and therefore take a keen interest in using only the very best available breeding stock - now that’s a big hint! See your local paper for show details, or ask your newsagent for “Dog World” or “Our Dogs” - for shows nationwide.

Read the book.
Once again your Vet is a very good place to start. Ignoring all the old magazines, make for the reception area and look for pamphlets - usually produced by the big pet food companies. Yes - I know that they want you to buy their food, but first, they’re going to help you look after your puppy. Two companies - “Denes” and “Pedigree Chum” - are particularly good in this area.

Visit the breeder.
At about 4-5 weeks old, the puppies should be able to be visited. Take a good, long and hard look at how and where they live.

• It doesn’t have to be “posh” or very “pretty pretty” - but good, clean, wholesome and above all - hygienic and homely.
• Is “Mum” around? If not - why not? She must be there somewhere! “Dad” may not be at home - he probably lives elsewhere - but if “Mum’s” not there - walk away!
• Does “Mum” look well - maybe a little tired - but “contented”? Bear in mind that she’s been suckling 6 - 10 hungry mouths for the past few weeks!
• Do the puppies appear happy, well rounded, cuddly and relaxed?
• Are they pleased to see you - or do they back away?
• Does the breeder allow you to pick them up - and if so - are you asked to wash your hands and shoes in disinfectant before you go near?
• Will the breeder be keeping any - and if not - why not? Have sympathy for that look that says “I’ve only got one pair of hands - and I’m not a millionaire!”
• How many litters has the bitch had? Labradors normally have one or two - maybe three. Any more than that - then maybe you’re in a “posh” puppy farm - walk away!
• Is the breeder willing to “house guest” your puppy when you go away? If not, can they recommend a breeder who would, and if so, could you please have their ‘phone number. When you get home - check it out.

Hips, Elbows..... and Eyes.
Somewhere in all this, the subject of Hip / Elbow scores and Eye tests should come up. I don’t want to get too technical, other than to say that - if the parents’ certificates are  “unavailable” for  any reason - walk away!
Eyes test certificates must be valid (within 12 months) - and must state either “pass” or “clear” or “unaffected”.
In the case of hip / elbow scores -  to put it simply - the lower the score the better.
Hips - the total score per parent really must be less than “15” - preferably less than “10”.
Elbows - the total score per parent really must be less than “2” - preferably “zero”.

More Paperwork ......

• Pedigree Certificate - A signed “original” - is another “must”.
• Diet Sheet - This will tell you how much and how often, you need to feed your puppy. You will also need to know which brand of food the puppy will have been fed on at the time you collect it.
• Contract of Sale - This must set out, clearly, the terms and conditions under which the puppy is being given over to your “care and love”. It seems a shame that animals should be subject to contracts, but, I’m afraid, it’s to protect your puppy, you ......and the breeder.
• Kennel Club Registration - may take a few weeks. Once the puppies have left for their new homes, your breeder will send the registration papers to the Kennel Club, who in turn, register you as the owner, and you’ll receive a certificate to this effect. It’s your puppy’s equivalent of a birth certificate - don’t lose it.
• Shopping List. Your breeder should advise you on this - but obviously includes a bed, bedding, toys, food bowl, water bowl and puppy pen. If good guidance is not given then please ask - it’s part of what you’re paying for.
   Talking of which - off we go .....

..... with the dreaded .... .... credit card ready? .....